Name: Creamy Grits Recipe for Perfect Southern Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486085H44M32S
Total time: PT-486085H44M32S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cups water, plus more as needed; ¾ teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup white or yellow corn grits, preferably stone-ground; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup heavy cream, plus more as desired (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy grits recipe is easy to make and creates a rich, velvety texture that will melt in your mouth. With only a few basic ingredients, you can transform corn grits into a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. The slow cooking method brings out the deep, comforting flavors of the grits, while the addition of butter and cream gives them a decadent touch. Whether you keep them simple or make them cheesy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

4 cups water, plus more as needed
¾ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup white or yellow corn grits, preferably stone-ground
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream, plus more as desired (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Boil Water and Salt:
In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water and ¾ teaspoon of sea salt to a boil.
Add Grits Gradually:
Slowly pour in 1 cup of grits while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low once all the grits have been added.
Cook Until Creamy:
Stir the mixture often for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it becomes thick and creamy. If the grits are not tender after the cooking time, add more water and continue to cook until they soften.
Incorporate Butter and Cream:
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. If you prefer a richer texture, add ¼ cup of heavy cream. You can adjust the amount of cream for the desired richness.
Cheesy Variation:
For a cheesy version, mix in 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese when adding the butter. If the grits become too thick, simply add a bit more water or cream to reach your preferred consistency.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

Herbed Grits: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a fragrant and flavorful variation.
Spicy Grits: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
Mushroom Grits: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy addition.
Seafood Grits: Top your grits with shrimp or crawfish for a Southern seafood feast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover grits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, add a little water or cream to loosen the grits and heat them on low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy again.

FAQs

What type of grits should I use?

For the creamiest results, use stone-ground grits. They have a coarser texture and absorb water better, resulting in a smoother finish. Instant grits are faster but don’t have the same depth of flavor.

Why do I need to whisk the grits while adding them?

Whisking the grits as you add them helps prevent clumps from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy texture once they are cooked.

How do I know when the grits are done cooking?

Grits are done when they have thickened to a creamy consistency and are tender to the bite. If they are still gritty or firm, continue cooking them and add more water as needed.

Can I make grits ahead of time?

Yes, you can make grits ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them with a little added water or cream to restore their creamy texture.

What can I serve with grits?

Grits are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. For breakfast, pair them with eggs,, or sausage. For lunch or dinner, they are excellent with sautéed greens, shrimp, or fried chicken.

Conclusion

Creamy grits are the perfect Southern comfort food, offering a rich, velvety texture and a satisfying taste. Whether you enjoy them plain, with cheese, or with other exciting variations, this recipe is simple to make and full of flavor. Serve them with your favorite dishes, and they are sure to become a beloved part of your meal repertoire!

Creamy Grits Recipe for Perfect Southern Comfort

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Creamy Southern-style grits are a rich and velvety comfort food, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. This easy recipe transforms simple corn grits into a satisfying meal with the addition of butter and cream.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish, Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

4 cups water, plus more as needed

¾ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup white or yellow corn grits, preferably stone-ground

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup heavy cream, plus more as desired (optional)

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Instructions

In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water and ¾ teaspoon of sea salt to a boil.
Slowly pour in 1 cup of grits while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low once all the grits have been added.
Stir the mixture often for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it becomes thick and creamy. If the grits are not tender after the cooking time, add more water and continue to cook until they soften.
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. If you prefer a richer texture, add ¼ cup of heavy cream. Adjust the amount of cream for the desired richness.
For a cheesy version, mix in 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese when adding the butter. Add more water or cream to reach your preferred consistency if the grits become too thick.